Skip to main content

DTS’ mind-bending Headphone:X to debut in Qualcomm-powered devices

headphone xDTS announced at Mobile World Congress today that its Headphone:X technology will make its debut in Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 800-series processor. According to DTS and Qualcomm, the turbo-charged processor is due to appear in mobile devices in the second half of this year. And, since the Snapdragon 800-series is expected to be used in next generation Smart TVs, it is likely we will see it hitting home theaters in the near future as well.  

After years of berating virtual surround sound technology, DTS effectively changed our tune with its highly impressive demo at CES 2013. DTS explains that Headphone:X  ” … externalizes sound, so instead of the listener hearing it inside their heads, as is typical for traditional headphone listening, they perceive it as coming from high quality loudspeakers located some distance around them.” We might normally be quick to dismiss such a description as over-hyped marketing drivel, but having experienced Headphone:X first hand, we can confirm that’s exactly what it does. 

DTS’ unique approach simulates the sound of a surround system as it is heard in a room environment. To demonstrate the technology, DTS first played a demonstration clip through a 7.1 speaker system. Then, we were asked to put on a rather ho-hum pair of Sennheiser on-ear headphones. The same demo clip was repeated through the headphones using Headphone:X. The emulation was so convincing, we removed our headphones to make sure the speakers had not been left on. Special headphones are not required, so even bundled earbuds will do.  To say that the technology is ground-breaking is not an overstatement. 

Though the technology will first appear in mobile phones and tablets, it is expected that the Snapdragon processor may be used in some Smart TVs soon. Once this technology is folded into TVs and A/V receivers, home theater owners will finally have a decent alternative to their surround speaker systems for those times when making a lot of noise is prohibited. 

Editors' Recommendations

Caleb Denison
Digital Trends Editor at Large Caleb Denison is a sought-after writer, speaker, and television correspondent with unmatched…
We tested them all — these are the best Sonos soundbars in 2024
Sonos Beam Gen 2 soundbar.

If you're shopping for a soundbar, you've probably stumbled upon Sonos. The company is responsible for many of the best soundbars of 2024, thanks to a combination of rich audio, time-tested reliability, and (fairly) reasonable prices. Sonos soundbars are great for home theaters, but they're just as capable of serving as a dedicated sound system for your favorite music, making them a hot commodity among all types of shoppers.

But which Sonos soundbar is the best? Many specs are shared across all devices in its lineup, which can make it difficult to figure out which is best for your needs. Should you opt for the expensive Sonos Arc? Or would you be better served by the affordable Sonos Ray? And what about the mid-range Beam – is it good enough to serve as the anchor of your home theater?

Read more
What is Sling Freestream?
Sling TV Freestream logo.

If you were to ask about the biggest trend in streaming video of late, chances are it’d be something called FAST. That’s short for free, ad-supported television. It’s everywhere. And if you’re looking to watch something without having to pay yet another monthly fee, it’s got you covered.

Sling TV has its own FAST service, called Sling Freestream. As the name implies, it’s free. In fact, you don’t even have to have a Sling TV account to watch.

Read more
Samsung S95D OLED first look: a reflection on excellence
Samsung S95D OLED

I recently traveled to New Jersey to visit Samsung for an up-close and personal look at the flagship TVs in its 2024 lineup, which includes Samsung’s 8K Neo-QLED and 4K Neo-QLEDs, and the reason we’re here today: the S95D.

The S95D is Samsung’s flagship OLED TV for 2024, and it has been the subject of some consternation for some TV enthusiasts because it has a new anti-glare or anti-reflective screen coating. Is there any merit to that concern? Has it overshadowed how good this TV could actually be thanks to a new 3rd generation QD-OLED panel? Is it any brighter? Should we be excited about this TV?

Read more